Brits on Jobseekers’ Allowance are being urged to grab a railcard that gives them half-price travel
The discount card knocks 50 per cent off the cost of travelling by train - but there are fears those looking for work don't know about it
UNEMPLOYED workers are being urged to take advantage of a railcard that gives them half-price train travel.
The Job Centre Plus Travel Discount Card knocks 50 per cent off the price of train travel for those looking to find work.
But latest figures found that while more than 500,000 journeys were made with the card in the last year, the vast majority of those were made in London and the south east.
In a bid to boost numbers, the Rail Delivery Group and Job Centre Plus is writing to politicians asking them to raise awareness, and urging those who can take advantage to sign-up.
Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: "Getting more people into work is part of our long-term plan to support and strengthen communities.
"The partnership railway is committed to spreading economic prosperity across the country.
Travel discount card: Are you eligible?
HERE are the rules about qualifying for the travel card:
To be eligible, you must have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for at least three months.
There are two cards, one for those aged between 18-24 and those over 25.
You might also be able to pick up the card if you are claiming certain other benefits like Incapacity Benefit and Income Support but are actively looking for work.
The card, which can be used on all train operator services, gives 50 per cent off on Anytime Day tickets, Off Peak Day tickets and three-month season tickets.
To apply, visit your local Job Centre Plus office.
"Over half a million discounted journeys were made in the last year but we want to make sure that everyone who is entitled to discounted journeys, in all parts of the country, knows about the discounts available."
Overall 518,822 journeys were made between March 2017 and last month using the discount card.
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But 72 per cent of them were made in London (288,572) and the south east (85,524), raising fears that many people looking for work don't know the card is available.
Earlier this month, the new "millennial" railcard was launched.
Giving a third-off the price of travel for 26-30 year olds, all 10,000 of the cards were snapped up, with demand causing the website to crash.
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